Mourinho challenges Real Madrid ahead of Champions League clash: We don't need a miracle
Tomorrow evening, Tuesday, the eyes of football fans around the world will be on the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, specifically the Estádio da Luz (Stadium of Light), which will host a highly anticipated European football clash between the home team, Benfica, and their formidable Spanish visitors, Real Madrid. This crucial encounter is the first leg of the Champions League playoff round, a pivotal stage for both teams as they strive to secure a place in the 2025-2026 season's Champions League round of 16.
Mourinho and the challenge of his former club
In preparation for this crucial match, veteran Portuguese coach José Mourinho, the current manager of Benfica, made some strong statements reflecting his immense confidence in his squad. During the pre-match press conference, "The Special One" rejected the notion that his team needed divine intervention or exceptional luck to overcome Real Madrid. Mourinho confidently stated, "I don't believe my Benfica team needs a miracle to eliminate Real Madrid. I think Benfica simply needs to be at its peak, both technically and physically.".
This encounter carries a special and historical significance, as Mourinho faces his former team, Real Madrid, whom he managed between 2010 and 2013, adding an emotional and tactical dimension to the match. The Portuguese coach is well aware of Real Madrid's mentality in European competitions, something he will try to exploit to break the visitors' dominance and secure a positive result in Lisbon before the second leg.
A French derby with a European flavor
Away from Lisbon, the Stade Louis II will host an equally exciting encounter, as Monaco welcomes reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain in a purely French derby with continental implications. This match presents an opportunity to transcend the domestic rivalry and take it to the European stage, with both sides vying to reaffirm their dominance in French football and secure a place among Europe's elite.
Schedule of the first leg matches of the European play-offs
Here is the complete list of matches for this crucial round:
Tuesday, February 17:
- Galatasaray (Türkiye) vs. Juventus (Italy)
- Monaco (France) vs. Paris Saint-Germain (France)
- Benfica (Portugal) vs. Real Madrid (Spain)
- Borussia Dortmund (Germany) vs. Atalanta (Italy)
Wednesday, February 18:
- Qarabag (Azerbaijan) vs Newcastle United (England)
- Club Brugge (Belgium) vs Atletico Madrid (Spain)
- Bodø/Glimt (Norway) vs. Inter (Italy)
- Olympiacos (Greece) vs Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)
